Research interests

Open DevelopmentMobilesICT4DICTDMobile healthmHealth

About

My research examines whether mobile communication technologies are transformational tools for marginalized populations, with an increasing emphasis on the socio-structural contexts of power within which social change occurs. My pioneering studies in developing countries contributed to the emergence of the mHealth field. Of particular relevance to the position is my experience as Director of the Singapore Internet Research Centre. My service leadership involves inter-disciplinary collaborations with organizations addressing issues of social justice, ably supported within an extensive global network of collaborators and an exemplary record of external funding. My teaching has contributed to the communication and technology curriculum at the Wee Kim Wee School, while under my leadership the SIRCA program has mentored scores of emerging researchers in the global south.
My work has achieved both social and scientific impact and a concomitant recognition, which can be observed in the extensive publications (62), conference presentations (79), citations (>600, Hirsch Index 13), editorial board memberships (Human Communication Research, Communication Yearbook 37, Mobile Media and Communication, Annals of the International Communication Association) and an associate editor role (Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries), awards (2011 Scopus Award in Sustainable Development, multiple top paper awards at ICA and TPRC conferences), fellowships (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, University of Southern California), keynote addresses (Global Fusion 2015 Texas A&M, Media Health Communication 2012, LMU, München) adoption of texts in syllabi (Geneva Foundation, IT University of Copenhagen, University of Michigan) and media coverage (United Nations Chronicle, United Nations University), as select examples. My research has been enabled by the securing of US$3.6 Mn. external funding. This track record includes national, such as World Vision (United States), IDRC (Canada), and BMBF (Germany), and transnational donors (EU Connect2SEA; Red Cross Red Crescent, UNICEF, and UNFPA).